Two suspected bandits lost their lives while testing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a camp in Zamfara State.

The camp, reportedly established by the notorious extremist leader Bello Turji, is located in Barikin Daji Village and Dan Bagudu Hills in Talata Mafara Local Government Area. The incident occurred during a high-risk testing exercise, according to Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert specializing in Lake Chad Basin insurgencies.

Makama shared the details in a post on his X handle on Friday. He revealed that the explosion was supervised by one of Turji’s key lieutenants, identified as Dogo Auta. Sources informed Makama that the extremists had recently received a shipment of weapons, ammunition, and IED-making materials. These supplies, transported to the camp by camels, were reportedly intended to intensify attacks in the area.

According to him, the explosion caused panic among residents of nearby communities, including Garin Gwale Village, forcing many to flee their homes out of fear of further attacks.

“The explosion is said to have resulted from an IED mishap during a high-risk testing exercise conducted by the bandits under the supervision of a key lieutenant of Turji, identified as Dogo Auta.

“According to credible intelligence reports, the extremist group had recently received a consignment of weapons, ammunition, and IED-making materials transported via camels to the camp. The materials were reportedly intended to facilitate increased attacks in the area as directed by Turji,” Makama said.

Makama expressed concern over the abundance of explosives sourced from illegal mining activities in the region. He cautioned that this could worsen security threats and lead to more frequent attacks.